Trump Says He Will Discourage Israeli Retaliation Against Iran

Iran and Israel exchanged military strikes for the first time since an April ceasefire, marking a new escalation in hostilities between the two countries.

Following Iran's attack, President Donald Trump said he planned to call Netanyahu and ask him not to retaliate. Trump told reporters he would negotiate with Iran on the matter.

"He won't have any choice," Trump said of Netanyahu accepting a U.S.-negotiated agreement. "I call all the shots."

Trump did not elaborate on what negotiations with Iran might entail or what terms he would seek. He did not address whether Netanyahu had responded to his request or indicated his willingness to refrain from military action.

The back-and-forth between Iran and Israel occurred against a backdrop of sustained tensions in the Middle East. The April ceasefire had held until the recent exchange.

The Trump administration has not announced a timeline for any negotiations with Iran or specified which officials would lead such talks.

Netanyahu's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Trump's statement.